M.S. in Microbiology

Entry Requirements for International Students

Application Fees : US$ 90

For international students seeking postgraduate programs at the University of Arizona, certain entry requirements must be met. 

1. Academic Requirements: International students applying for postgraduate programs at UA are required to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 70% or above. This academic benchmark demonstrates a solid foundation and academic capability, ensuring students are prepared for the rigor of graduate studies.

2. English Language Proficiency: UA accepts several standardized English language tests as evidence of language proficiency, including:

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall band score of 7 is required to meet the language requirement.
      
   • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 80 on the internet-base test (iBT) is necessary to fulfill the English language requirement.
      
   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): An overall score of 68 or higher is required.
      
3. Standardized Test Requirements: GRE 304 

The University of Arizona offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students to support their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and diverse backgrounds. 

1. Global Wildcat Scholarship: The Global Wildcat Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship available to incoming international undergraduate students. It provides partial tuition waivers for up to four years of study. Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community.

2. International Tuition Awards: The International Tuition Awards are merit-based scholarships offered to international undergraduate and graduate students. These awards provide partial tuition waivers and are renewable for multiple years. Eligibility is based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and potential to contribute to the university community.

3. International Student Tuition Discount: The University of Arizona offers a tuition discount to international students from select countries. The discount reduces the out-of-state tuition rate to a more affordable level, making it more accessible for international students to pursue their education at the university.

4. Graduate College Fellowships: The Graduate College at the University of Arizona offers several fellowship programs for international graduate students. These fellowships provide financial support for tuition and living expenses. The eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the specific fellowship program.

5. College-Specific Scholarships: Various colleges and departments within the University of Arizona offer scholarships specifically tailored to international students in their respective fields of study. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, research interests, or professional goals. Students can inquire with their specific college or department for available scholarship opportunities.

6. External Scholarships: The University of Arizona encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities. There are numerous scholarships provided by organizations, governments, and foundations that international students can apply for. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for external scholarships.

It is important for international students to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary. 

Graduates of the M.S. in Microbiology program have diverse career opportunities in various sectors, including:

1. Research Scientist: Graduates can work as research scientists in academic institutions, government research laboratories, and private research organizations. They may conduct research in areas such as infectious diseases, microbial ecology, or biotechnology.

2. Clinical Microbiologist: Graduates can pursue careers in clinical laboratories, where they analyze and diagnose infectious diseases, perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and contribute to patient care.

3. Environmental Microbiologist: Graduates may work in environmental consulting firms, government agencies, or research organizations, studying the impact of microorganisms on environmental processes and developing strategies for environmental remediation.

4. Biotechnologist: Graduates can work in biotechnology companies, involved in the development of new biopharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other biotechnological products.

5. Quality Control Specialist: Graduates may work in quality control and assurance roles in industries that produce microbial-based products or conduct microbial testing for food safety and environmental monitoring.

6. Public Health Specialist: Graduates can work in public health organizations, contributing to infectious disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and public health policy development.

7. Ph.D. and Academia: Some graduates may choose to pursue further studies through a Ph.D. program and pursue academic careers as professors or researchers in microbiology and related fields.